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January 2008 Special Edition January 2008 Special Edition Tzedakah Times 1000 Butcher Road w Waxahachie, TX 75165 hqdx www.tzedakahministries.org Special Edition for an Important Issue that his claim to represent all Evangelical Christians – Who Really Is In Defense of Israel? most definitely does not include me (p. 2). Hagee cannot represent me when we disagree on one basic Noted below is a brief explanation as to the premise – the need for Jewish people to receive and change in the quarterly editions of Tzedakah Times. believe in Jesus as Messiah and Savior (p. 148). The change has a two-fold purpose behind it. First, Therefore, it would be convenient to end this the alteration enables the newsletter to fall more review at this point. I believe he is wrong on so closely with Jewish holidays. Second, the adjustment many different levels – historical, theological, makes it possible for this editor to spend more time hermeneutical, etc. However, Tzedakah Ministries fine-tuning the articles so that they will be even owes it to you to break down Hagee’s failings in more useful and practical for you the reader. each of these areas so that you are equipped and Therefore, I am going to take a timely and ready to give an answer to those who are confused needed editorial privilege and use this Special and/or misled by the aberrant teachings of John Edition of the Tzedakah Times to write a review of Hagee concerning evangelism and the Jewish people. one of the most dangerous books ever written. The historical weaknesses are similar to those No, this review is not Philip Pullman’s The described in my review of Jerusalem Countdown ( Golden Compass. This review is not even about the http://www.tzedakahministries.org/documents/Re atheistic claims of Richard Dawkins. For while viewofJerusalemCountdown.doc). For, ultimately, these writers are dangerous in their own sphere of his understanding of history is simplistic. However influence, the most dangerous book available on in this work, he goes beyond simplicity to historical book shelves today was written by an evangelical revisionism of many facets of Christian history. For pastor from San Antonio. example, Hagee claims that the Holocaust “was John Hagee’s In Defense of Israel (Lake Mary, carried out by baptized Christians in good standing FL: FrontLine, 2007, $14.99) appears on the surface with their church” (p. 5). to be a call for Christians – especially Evangelicals – There are two problems with this statement. to stand with the nation of Israel. To stand behind First, Hagee illustrates a basic misunderstanding of God’s Chosen People would normally be a good (article continued on back page) approach to take; however, Hagee’s approach is not only theologically dangerous but also eternally CHANGE IN NEWSLETTER dangerous to souls of the Jewish people. STRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENT! In order to review In Defense of Israel, it is 2008 editions of Tzedakah Times will run in necessary to begin by pointing out to John Hagee March, June, September, and December. Tzedakah Ministries – To Equip His Church to Reach His People January 2008 hqdxSpecial Edition Tzedakah Times Who Really Is In Defense of Israel? Examine his own words: “It is time for (continued from front page) Christians everywhere to recognize that the nation of Israel will never convert to Christianity and join the religious affiliation of Nazi leaders. Heather the Baptist church in their town… But the idea that Pringle’s The Master Plan provides an in-depth the Jews of the world are going to convert and explanation of the cultic views of the Nazi Party storm the doors of Christian churches is a myth” (p. especially those members of the upper echelon. 148). How can Hagee, unless he is a dual Second, Hagee’s source material contradicts ( covenantalist, hold this position? I believe he does http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newslett especially given the fact that his “Night[s] to Honor er/2002/jan25.html) his own position. Israel” events are non-conversionary (p. 46). At this point in the review, you may be It is impossible to elaborate on some of the asking yourself why this error is so important. This most inane theological errors written in this book. historical error is serious as it not only illustrates A simple listing must suffice. First, he separates Hagee’s shallow understanding of history but also Romans 9-11 from the rest of the epistle (p. 50-51). casts a shadow on any historical claims made by the Second, he refers to Samaritans as Gentiles (p. 116). author. Indeed, Hagee is guilty of hyperbole and Third, he advocates a position held by the liberal simplistic statements throughout the historical James Parkes (p. 125) and then exhibits weak section (p. 17, 19, 25, 27, 33, 61, 74, 92-94, 105-106) research by only using a single source in his response Do not doubt that the Christian history is to Replacement Theology (p. 132, 147, 158). replete with examples of anti-Semitic hatred. Much more could be written; however, the Contriteness will never atone for the actions done most dangerous section of this book is devoted to against the Jewish people by those who claimed to his contrived view that Jesus never claimed to be be Christians. However, Hagee’s approach only Messiah. Hagee states, “… it was Jesus who was makes a bad situation worse. refusing to be the Messiah to the Jews” (p. 140). His Several pages could be devoted to the avoidance of Jesus’ own words (John 8:58; 10:30; historical overstatements found in this work. and all the “I Am’s” ) should cause these pages to be However, the most dangerous statements, and the labeled as nothing but anathema (p. 132-145, 148). words which could cause the word “unorthodox” to Jesus is Messiah for all peoples but first and be bantered about by reviewers is found in the foremost for the Jewish people (Matt. 15:24; Rom. theological and hermeneutical sections. 1:16). Hagee unintentionally acknowledges this Hagee (p. 7) asserts that even though the truth when he lists Felix Mendelssohn as one of the Jewish people do not see Jesus as Messiah in this greatest of all Jews (p. 101). For you see Felix moment they will at a future date. This strikes me as Mendelssohn was a Jewish believer in Jesus. interesting especially since he states categorically that Amy Downey Jewish people will never become Christians. Tzedakah Ministries – To Equip His Church to Reach His People .
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